STRAWBALE / COB BENCH- Collaboration between RCAH/MSU & Peckham of E. Lansing

STRAWBALE / COB BENCH- Collaboration between RCAH/MSU & Peckham of E. Lansing

STRAWBALE / COB BENCH- Collaboration between RCAH/MSU & Peckham of E. Lansing 960 960 Strawbale Studio

Bench Making from natural materials ! This project is a collaboration of Steve Baibaks art studio at the Residential College of Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI….and the Peckham Center’s Residential Housing. Peckham is a non-profit organization providing training and work for individuals with disabilities.

Steve and Deanne and Peckham residents created the bench shape of strawbales, then made a mix of clay-sand subsoil to cover the bales.  This earth plaster will dry, get another finish coat of plaster, then be sealed in oil for a durable finish.  More to come !

                (Update: The project is finished!    See the FINAL PHOTO ALBUM of this project,, now called “EVERYBODYS BENCH”)

 

Bench to date ! Looking good 🙂

A frame plus metal/gravel foundation.

 

 

 

Strawbales tied and shaped to make a bench.

 

Strawbales covered with earthen plasters.

 

Shaping the clay/sand “Cob” mix to sculpt the Bench shape.

 

Almost finished shaping !